The Dakar takes a mass bath in Santa Susanna, and the director warns of the race’s biggest danger: “I don’t know if I’ll like this stage, but I’m sure I’ll remember it.”

Dakar was relocated for pre-vehicle checks before departing for Saudi Arabia. After several years in Barcelona, ​​they now chose Santa Susanna. Santa Susanna is the town that yesterday won a hard-won bid to host the event again after several years. It was a complete success.

More than 1,000 people gathered on a large promenade with a verification area to take advantage of the opportunity to see most of the cars competing in the toughest race on earth, to be held from January 3 to 17, 2026, giving the Spanish driver the warmth he deserved for the upcoming Dakar Rally. Nani Roma, Laia Sanz, Tosha Chalayna, Isidor Esteve, Lorenzo Santorino, Nandu Giubani, Gerard Fares, Pau Navarro, Javi Vega, Josep Pedo Cema Villalobos, co-driver of Carlos Santaolalla, Jordi Hubanteny, Miguel Puertas, and Carlos Sainz, Lucas Cruz, Alex Haro (Roma). (Esteve) Jose Luis Criado (Truck KH-7)like many others, took a group bath before the Dakar, and yesterday they were able to receive a briefing and learn more about the route. Dakar director David Castella.

Important details of difficult routes

“We came to make the Dakar difficult and last year was also very difficult so I think we did well. We have maintained the same level and we have 5000km of time specials, which is a long time. It’s been a while since we’ve done so many specials and this is a bit of a record in the Dakar,” he said.

“The first and second weeks of the Dakar are roughly the same level of difficulty (height). I call this ‘mirror week’ because both have almost the same elements, such as long stages, marathons, and new stages.” “Bivouac shelter” (just the bare minimum, sleeping bag, tent, and ml of food)) and complete sand stage in 2 weeks. and“This year we achieved a very good balance throughout the journey.” Castella added that in response to a question from the MD after his presentation, he pointed out what he thought were the key stages that could make a difference and that favorites should be aware of when managing the race.

Outside of the first stage and stage 11, there are areas of stone that are feared, but David warns: “This Dakar has important stages 3 and 4, as well as very long stages 7, 8 and 9. These are long stages and you have to be careful, but the Dakar is never a sprint, it’s an endurance race.”and in order to arrive reliably, you need to work vigorously every day at a pace of 80-90% of your own capacity, that is, the capacity of the vehicle. There are a lot of people who run very fast and always finish at full speed, but they don’t make it to the Dakar, they don’t finish it. We must constantly strive for this balance. ”he expressed.

During his presentation, he revealed even more important details to the audience. For example, we highlighted that the difficulty level in the early stages of Dakar increases from stage 3 onwards. “There are many courses you can’t see and the snow is complicated, so this will be the first difficult stage.”

And he continued: “Stage 6 is one of the most difficult and longest stages with a lot of dunes. There are 331km of dunes so the pace has to be slowed down and the total distance of the stage is almost 1,000km, so competitors will arrive late at the bivouac. Many may arrive at night.”

“The most beautiful stage is stage 8.” He added, emphasizing the diversity of topography and landscapes.. “I don’t know if they’ll enjoy it, but they’ll remember it.”he pointed out. We also highlighted the second half of this second marathon stage. Stage 10, all dunes, multiple colors and types, difficult to read terrain Because there are soft dunes and hard dunes, which complicates the situation for everyone. and He recalled that no driver would be able to relax as the stones would return at the end of the Dakar, stage 11, two days after the finish line.

Lucas Cruz (Sainz), Nani Roma and Tosha Shareina aim for victory

“It is possible to win the Dakar,” he said. crossSainz’s co-pilot. “At Ford, we’ve got good positions to qualify. It’s going to be difficult because there’s a lot of competition. The one who is the most patient and can finish in the top three to seven every day will win.”he added. your partner at ford, Nani Romaemphasized the importance of “getting on with the day.” “If things go well, we have options. We’re in a period where there are a lot of big brands and a lot of very good cars. It’s difficult, but it’s a lot of fun. We’re ready. Ford is doing very well and we’re going for a third Touareg.”expressed that of Folgerol. “We have all the tools to fight for everything.”warned the Valencian. Tosha takes second place on motorcycles at Dakar 2025, aiming for first crown of the year. And in front of everyone, Castella smiled broadly at the success of the conference call. At the request of the public and the wishes of Mayor João Campolier himself, David laughed and did not rule out the possibility that in the future this initiative could be transformed into a prologue stage of Dakarian on Catalan land, i.e. on the town’s coast. There was an idea.

Verification passed

Almost all of the vehicles, with the exception of a few from other parts of the world, passed inspection in Santa Susanna. Dakar security officials confirmed that the vehicle met essential safety requirements It was also confirmed that technical standards were complied with, for example that some elements of the vehicle, such as the engine, were sealed for shipment to Saudi Arabia. After these checks, everyone was given 80 minutes to arrive at the Port of Barcelona to proceed to their destination. The toughest race in the world is waiting for you.